For 4 years now, Shobha has been the sole breadwinner of the family. Her husband, Prakash, has not been able to work ever since he was diagnosed with liver damage and diabetes. Now, he also has heart disease. Shobha sells vegetables on the street, and they managed to get by. However, last August, their son Dhanush (12) was diagnosed with blood cancer.

“I haven’t been able to work regularly because I have to take him to the hospital 4-5 times a month. My son needs me, I can’t leave him, but I have nothing to afford his chemotherapy any longer. My husband is too unwell to work. I have to save my son from cancer on my own.” – Shobha, mother

Dhanush doesn’t cry despite knowing he has cancer

Dhanush fell sick on his birthday last August. Two weeks later, he was diagnosed with cancer. Since then, he has been through numerous rounds of chemotherapy and tests, and his fight still continues. However, in all this time, Dhanush has not cried even once – even though he understands he has cancer and how dangerous it can be.

“He bravely endures everything. In fact, he tells us not to worry and that he will be fine soon.”

Dhanush with his cousins

Unfortunately, Dhanush had severe headache last week – the cancer has spread to his central nervous system. His left eye is now closed. He needs chemotherapy and radiation to survive this, else it can spread to the rest of his body.

Shobha has borrowed from many people to afford her husband’s medicines and her son’s chemo

Shobha has spent nearly 10 lakhs in the past few months on Dhanush’s treatment. She also has to spend Rs. 6,000 per month on her husband’s medication and tests – her income of Rs. 200 per day just isn’t enough to get them both treated. She hasn’t even gone for work in the past few weeks.

“I can’t even think of stopping either of their treatments. Dhanush needs the chemotherapy to survive, but I don’t’ have enough to afford it. I've borrowed from so many people. I’ve tried to handle it all on my own, but I can’t go on any further without your support.”

When Dhanush’s friends come to visit him, he tells them that he will be back in school soon. However, his cancer is aggressive and is spreading rapidly. Shobha has single-handedly tried to afford his treatment all these months, but with a low income and an ill husband to look after, she can’t afford his chemotherapy.

Dhanush will only make it with chemotherapy. He has bravely endured the pain till now, your support will help him beat cancer for good.